Cut Copy’s latest effort is a satisfying and psychedelic journey

In the midst of 2013’s numerous releases, Electronic and Dance music has been silently dominating in terms of quality and timelessness. Cut Copy is the most recent example of a 2013 release that is solid addition to the band’s discography with the brand new album “Free Your Mind.”

Cut Copy is an Australian synthpop/dance band that has been in the music industry since the release of their excellent debut LP “Bright Like Neon Love” and has consistently produced some of the catchiest dance-pop tracks within recent years. Cut Copy is the type of group that a listener can listen to and immediately hear the influences that inspired the songs, and most of the influences reside within the ‘80s new wave and dance scene.

“Free Your Mind,” on the first listen, is a clear continuation of Cut Copy’s distinctive sounds of synthpop combined with ‘80s dance rock, but they also incorporate an odd differentiation this time around. Although Cut Copy is still in touch with their roots, the bands is currently going through this psychedelic, open-minded and spiritual era that oddly fits in with the uniqueness of the new album. As cliché as it may sound at times, the psychedelic movement throughout the album provides a pleasant listen.

The first thing that anyone can pick out of “Free Your Mind” that is somewhat new is the use of primitive percussion and strange sampled vocals that are clearly pulled out of the ‘80s dance scene. Even though Cut Copy was innovative with the music and story behind the new album, they also tied in a lot of the old qualities they are loved for. The songs all flow together amazingly, with fading cues and out-of-this-world interludes, for which their previous album is known. The clunky synthesizers and far-out vocals can be recognized from “Bright Like Neon Love,” with a smothering of reverb to capture that tremendously psychedelic emotion.

Thanks to the release of “Free Your Mind” and a long-awaited string of shows, 2013 is looking to be a great year for Cut Copy. The album is a satisfying, although risky, addition to their discography, and most fans will agree.